Simmering diplomatic row between Nairobi and Tehran after Iran slams Kenya over Gulf stance
A diplomatic row has erupted between Kenya and Iran following remarks by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei on rising tensions in the Persian Gulf.
The dispute was triggered by Sing’Oei’s post on X after a phone conversation with UAE Assistant Foreign Minister Abdulla Balalaa Abdulla Balalaa, in which he expressed Kenya’s solidarity with Gulf states.
He condemned what he termed “unjustified attacks” by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on critical infrastructure in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, warning of potential threats to civilian safety, as well as global economic and environmental security.
The exchange marks growing diplomatic tensions as global powers and regional allies take positions on the escalating crisis in the Gulf, with Kenya now drawn into the geopolitical dispute.
“He apprised me on the gravity of the situation in the region… I conveyed to him Kenya’s solidarity… and assured him of our readiness to work with the UAE to respond through diplomatic means to this escalating situation,” Sing’Oei wrote.
In a swift response, the Embassy of Iran in Kenya issued a strongly worded statement criticising Nairobi’s position, accusing the Kenyan official of overlooking what it described as the “root causes” of the conflict.
The embassy blamed the crisis on actions by the United States and Israel, arguing that they had initiated aggression against Iran.
It cited UN General Assembly Resolution 3314, stating that countries hosting foreign military bases could be considered complicit if such bases are used to launch attacks.
Tehran further alleged that recent strikes against Iran originated from US military installations in the Gulf region, including operations it claims were conducted from within GCC territories.
Invoking Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, the embassy accused Washington and Tel Aviv of violating international law by using force in their dealings with Iran.
It defended Iran’s military actions as lawful, maintaining they fall within its right to self-defence under international law.
According to the statement, Iranian operations have targeted only military assets, while accusing opposing forces of placing civilians at risk by operating within populated areas.
The embassy also addressed concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global oil shipments.
It insisted the waterway had remained open prior to the current escalation and blamed any disruption to maritime traffic on external aggression.
Iran added that, as a coastal state, it has introduced “necessary restrictions” to ensure safe navigation, allowing passage for non-belligerent nations while limiting access for parties it considers hostile.
